One of the most versatile of session bassists, Max Bennett hailed from the midwest. He was raised in both Kansas City and the town of Oskaloosa in Iowa and undertook his university musical studies in the latter state. In 1949 he went professional as the bassist in the Herbie Fields band, followed rapidly by gigs with players such as Georgie Auld, Terry Gibbs and Charlie Ventura. The stream of happening bass lines was interrupted by the Army from 1951 through 1953; he was then back on the scene with Stan Kenton before settling into the stay-at-home local Los Angeles music scene. The bassist fronted his own combo during this period and was part of a houseband at the Lighthouse, a famous LA jazz venue.